Evaluation of Tall Fescue, Festuca arundinacea Schreb., for Turf in the Transition Zone of the United States

F. V. Juska,

A. A. Hanson and

A. W. Hovin2

Abstract

Abstract

‘Kentucky 31’ tall fescue, Festuca arundiuacea Schreb., was seeded alone and in mixture with common Kentucky bluegrass, Poa pratensis L., and both seedings were evaluated under three cutting heights and sources, rates, and time of nitrogen application from 1960 through 1968. Significant differences were obtained between fertilizer treatments. Plots which received 1.4 kg of N as urea per 93 m2, spring and fall, rated higher in turf quality than plots which received 0.7 kg of N per 93 ms, spring and fall. Plots receiving anunonium nitrate (as determined by visual observation, 2.7 kg of N per 93 ms per year) rated higher in turf quality than those receiving urea-form at same rate applied either in spring or fall. Over the 8-year period, average turf quality scores for tall rescue seeded alone were higher than in mixture with common Kentucky bluegrass but not significantly until 1968. The percentage of tall rescue in mixture with Kentucky bluegrass declined over the years until each grass contributed equally to the botanical composition. There was some evidence of tall rescue forming clumps in the mixture. Tall fescue is adapted to the transition zone and appears suitable for expansive turf areas where its coarse texture is not objectionable.

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